University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships 2026

University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships 2026

The Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is internationally recognized as a leading research institution. It is home to cutting-edge research that spans across a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines, including:

• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences

The Faculty also hosts two National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation—SwissMAP and Planets—and participates in many prestigious European research projects.

The Master’s programs offered by the Faculty of Science provide an excellent foundation for both academic and professional development. Graduates can pursue careers in research, teaching, industry, scientific administration, science communication, and media. Importantly, many Master’s programs are taught entirely in English, while others are offered in a combination of English and French.

About the Excellence Master Fellowship

To encourage outstanding students from all over the world, the Faculty of Science—supported by external partners—offers the Excellence Master Fellowship Program.

• Eligibility: Open to highly motivated students with an excellent academic record who wish to pursue a Master of Science degree at the University of Geneva.
• Selection: Based solely on academic excellence and the quality of the application file.
• Fellowship Amount: Between CHF 10,000 and CHF 15,000 per year.
• Duration: Awarded initially for one year and renewable for the full duration of the Master’s program (3 or 4 semesters), provided the student achieves strong academic results in the first semester.
• Teaching Duties: None.

This program is open to students from any university worldwide, including those who have already completed or are currently completing a brilliant Bachelor’s degree and are ranked among the top of their class.

⚠️ Important Note: Students who have already begun a Master’s program at the Faculty of Science are not eligible for this fellowship.

Application Requirements

The application must be submitted online in English or French as a single PDF file, and should include:

1. A scanned copy of your national identity card or passport.
2. A Curriculum Vitae (CV), maximum 2 pages.
3. The official transcript of all exams and grades obtained during your Bachelor’s education.
4. A motivation letter describing:
   • Your scientific interests
   • Reasons for pursuing a Master of Science at the University of Geneva
   • Your long-term academic and/or professional goals
5. Two reference letters from professors attesting to your academic ability and suitability for the program.
6. Any other relevant information such as:
   • GRE results (if available)
   • TOEFL/IELTS or other language test scores (if applicable).

Additional Enrollment Proof

• If you are already a UNIGE student: include a scan of your UNIGE student card.
• If you are not yet enrolled at UNIGE: include the email titled “UNIGE-Candidature: Dépôt de votre dossier” that you received after registering for a Master’s program (this serves as proof that your Master’s application process has started).

⚠️ Applications missing any required documents or proofs will not be considered.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose Your Master’s Program
   • Review the full list of Master’s programs offered by the Faculty of Science:
     👉 www.unige.ch/sciences/Masters
2. Apply for Admission to the Master’s Program
   • Begin the admission process via the University of Geneva Admissions Office website.
   • Complete all required steps and keep the confirmation email.
3. Prepare Your Fellowship Application File
   • Collect all required documents listed above.
   • Merge them into a single PDF file.
4. Submit Your Online Application
   • Applications open in January 2026.
   • After registering online, you will receive a personal link by email.
   • Use this link to upload your application file.
5. Await Results
   • If selected, you will be notified by the Faculty of Science.
   • Successful candidates will be awarded the fellowship starting with the September 14, 2026 intake.

Deadline

• Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
• Program Start Date: 14 September 2026

Useful Links

• 📖 Master’s Program Information: www.unige.ch/sciences/Masters
• ℹ️ Additional Fellowship Information: www.unige.ch/sciences/Masters

✅ In short: Apply first to a Master’s program → Prepare fellowship application with all required documents in a single PDF → Submit online by February 28, 2026.